How to pronounce

trying

The word "trying" can be broken down into sounds, aiding in its pronunciation for both British and American English. Here are the IPA transcriptions for each:

American Pronunciation: /ˈtraɪɪŋ/
- Begins with the /ˈtr/ sound, where the 't' is pronounced by touching the tip of the tongue to the alveolar ridge, followed by the 'r' sound, produced by rounding the lips slightly and curling the tip of the tongue up without touching the roof of the mouth.
- Followed by the /aɪ/ sound, similar to the 'i' in "like," where the mouth opens wide and the tongue moves high and forward.
- Ends with the /ɪŋ/ sound, a combination of a short, relaxed 'i' as in 'sit', and the 'ng' sound made by pressing the back of your tongue against the soft palate.
British Pronunciation: /ˈtraɪɪŋ/
- The pronunciation is nearly identical to the American, with subtle differences in the quality of the 'r' sound and the vowels. The /ˈtr/, /aɪ/, and /ɪŋ/ sounds are pronounced similarly, with the 'r' perhaps being less pronounced or softer in some British accents.

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Definition of

trying

Trying (adj): Causing strain, hardship, or distress.
Trying (verb): The present participle of "try," meaning to attempt to do or accomplish something.

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What does it mean

trying

The word "trying" comes from the verb "try," which has roots in the early 14th century, derived from the Old French "trier," meaning "to pick out, cull" (12th century), from a Gallo-Romance root *triare, of unknown origin. The sense of "to make an effort to do something" emerged in English by the late 14th century. The adjective form, meaning "difficult to endure," is attested from the early 17th century. The present participle form "trying" conveys an ongoing action or effort and, as an adjective, describes something that is challenging or arduous.

Frequently asked questions

How do you say trying correctly?

To pronounce trying correctly, break it into two syllables: 'try-ing.' Focus on the 'tr' sound, then move smoothly to the 'ing' ending. You can use Pronounce AI to compare your speech to native speakers, and revisit the pronunciation daily. Recording and analyzing your own voice on getpronounce.com helps identify areas of improvement.

What are some synonyms for trying?

Some synonyms for trying include challenging, difficult, and demanding. The most fitting synonym often depends on the specific context and the level of difficulty a task represents.

Are there alternative pronunciations of trying?

Yes, the pronunciation of trying may vary slightly depending on accents. In American English, it’s often heard as 'TRAH-ying,' whereas in British English, it can sound closer to 'TRY-ing.' Both are understood by native speakers, so you can choose the one you’re most comfortable with.